Gateshead have handed permanent deals to two trialists ahead of Saturday’s home friendly with Premier League neighbours Newcastle United.
New Heed manager Lee Cattermole secured his first new signing earlier this month when former Sunderland academy defender Tommy Lowery penned a two-year deal at the International Stadium before quietly impressing against the likes of Blyth Town and Hebburn Town.
Former Middlesbrough and Carlisle United defender Jack Robinson also appeared in those fixtures and he has now signed a one-year deal with the Heed as they prepare for the new National League season.
Robinson and Supyk sign
"I'm delighted to be here, so far I've loved it," said Robinson after agreeing the deal. "I spoke to the gaffer on WhatsApp, arranged a meeting and had a good chat for a couple of hours about the plans for the season ahead, pre-season, getting minutes and training every day."
"I came in for the first couple of weeks as a trialist, then conversations happened pretty quickly over a deal and I was just looking forward to getting it sorted and getting started."
"I've had a tough time with an injury, but I'm really looking forward to getting a good season in me and pushing Gateshead on."
Robinson is not the only trialist to have been handed a chance to impress this season after Cattermole rewarded New Zealand Under-20 international Luke Supyk with a two-year contract.
The 20-year-old departed A-League club Wellington Phoenix earlier this summer and has scored for the Heed in friendlies against Blyth Town, Heaton Stannington and Hebburn Town.
Young forward relishing opportunity
The young forward will be in the squad for Saturday’s pre-season clash with Premier League rivals Newcastle United and is already relishing the opportunity that lies in wait during the new National League season.
He said: "I'm delighted really. I’ve had a few good games under the belt, and I'm just excited to get going for the season and meet all the fans. I just tried working my hardest, obviously being a trialist, trying to earn a spot in the team."
"I'm buzzing for [the first game of the National League season], I can't wait really. Pre-season games are all good, but the real edge starts when you're playing a competitive game so I’m looking forward to that first game, definitely."
Registration ban and ticket details
The Heed hierarchy are continuing to work with FIFA and the Football Association to resolve a registration ban imposed upon them by world football’s governing body.
Tickets for Saturday’s home friendly with Newcastle remain on sale and Chronicle Live understands the attendance is expected to surpass the 6,000-mark.
The Heed have warned the fixture is an all-ticket affair and only online ticket sales are permitted. No tickets will be sold on the game ahead of Saturday’s 12.30pm kick-off and all food and drink outlets inside the International Stadium will be for card payments only.
